Chapter 17.1
Explore the Physical Geography of North America
Discover how mountains, glaciers, rivers, and plains have shaped North America's diverse landscapes and natural regions over millions of years.
What You'll Learn
Rocky Mountains create climate zones through the orographic effect.
Glaciers carved the Great Lakes basins during ancient ice ages.
The Continental Divide separates Atlantic and Pacific river watersheds.
Permafrost in Arctic tundra creates seasonal wetland patterns above ground.
What You'll Practice
1
Students analyze how mountain ranges influence regional climate patterns.
2
Questions test knowledge of glacial formation and Great Lakes geography.
3
Learners identify key physical geography terms and landform definitions.
Why This Matters
Understanding North America's physical geography equips students to analyze how natural landforms, water systems, and climate zones shape human settlement, resource distribution, and environmental challenges across the continent.
This Unit Includes
Practice exercises
Learning resources
Skills
Landforms
Watersheds
Glaciation
Climate Zones
Permafrost
